KGL has come to stick – Former NLA PR Head dismisses media grievance – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In early January 2026, a key development emerged in Ghana’s lottery sector: the licensing agreement between the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) and gaming operator KGL will remain in place, despite recent criticism from media groups. Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, former Head of Public Relations at the NLA, publicly confirmed that the deal will continue, with scheduled evaluations and renegotiations aimed at balancing state interests and KGL’s operational needs.

This decision comes amid scrutiny from the Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), which had called for the termination or cancellation of the NLA-KGL contract. Opoku’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to a stable business environment for private sector and indigenous enterprises, as outlined in Article 36 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

The announcement signals a nuanced approach: maintaining the existing partnership while addressing public concerns through structured review mechanisms. This article explores the key points, background, and implications of this decision for Ghana’s lottery industry, regulatory landscape, and media relations.

Key Points

Contract Continuity Confirmed

The NLA-KGL licensing agreement will stay in effect, with no immediate termination or cancellation. The deal includes provisions for periodic reviews, with the next evaluation moved forward from 2026 to allow sufficient time for negotiations before the 2027 implementation phase.

Government Commitment to Private Sector

Dr. Opoku praised the Mahama administration for fostering an enabling environment for private sector and indigenous entrepreneurs. He referenced Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines economic objectives supporting private enterprise development.

Structured Review Process

The evaluation process, led by the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, was already scheduled as part of the licensing agreement, which mandates a review every three years. Both NLA and KGL agreed to advance the 2026 review to facilitate timely negotiations.

Media Organizations’ Role Questioned

Opoku criticized media groups for attempting to claim credit for the evaluation process, asserting that the initiative was already part of NLA’s established mandate and not a result of external pressure.

KGL’s Support for Transparency

KGL has expressed full support for the evaluation process, viewing it as an opportunity to address public grievances while maintaining the company’s credibility and operational integrity.

Background

Origins of the NLA-KGL Partnership

The partnership between the National Lotteries Authority and KGL began as part of Ghana’s broader strategy to modernize its lottery sector and increase revenue generation for national development. The agreement granted KGL the rights to operate and manage lottery services across the country, leveraging the company’s technological capabilities and operational expertise.

The contract includes provisions for revenue sharing, infrastructure development, and the introduction of new gaming products to expand the lottery market. This partnership was designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in Ghana’s lottery operations.

Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution

Article 36 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution outlines the state’s economic objectives, including the promotion of private enterprise, the encouragement of foreign investment, and the development of indigenous businesses. The provision emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for private sector growth and economic diversification.

Opoku’s reference to Article 36 underscores the government’s commitment to these constitutional principles, particularly in supporting indigenous entrepreneurs and fostering public-private partnerships that contribute to national development.

Media Scrutiny and Public Concerns

The NLA-KGL agreement has faced criticism from various quarters, including media organizations and civil society groups. Concerns have been raised about transparency, revenue allocation, and the potential impact on smaller operators in the lottery sector.

The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) had advocated for the termination or cancellation of the contract, citing the need for greater accountability and public oversight in the management of national lottery resources.

Analysis

Strategic Implications of Contract Continuity

The decision to maintain the NLA-KGL agreement reflects a strategic approach to balancing public interests with operational efficiency. By preserving the partnership while implementing structured reviews, the government aims to ensure that the contract remains beneficial for both parties and aligned with national development goals.

This approach allows for the continuation of revenue generation and service delivery while addressing concerns through transparent evaluation mechanisms. It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to honoring contractual obligations, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and attracting future partnerships.

Impact on Ghana’s Lottery Sector

The continuity of the NLA-KGL agreement is likely to have several implications for Ghana’s lottery sector. It provides stability for ongoing operations and investments, which can lead to improved services and expanded market reach.

However, the agreement also highlights the need for robust regulatory oversight and transparent governance practices. The scheduled evaluations offer an opportunity to assess the contract’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that the partnership delivers value for the state and its citizens.

Media’s Role in Public Accountability

The criticism from media organizations and civil society groups underscores the important role of the press in promoting transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships. While Opoku questioned the media’s claim to credit for the evaluation process, the scrutiny from these groups has contributed to increased public awareness and dialogue about the contract’s terms and implications.

Media oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring that government decisions are subject to public scrutiny and that the interests of citizens are protected. The ongoing evaluation process provides an opportunity for continued engagement between the government, media, and civil society to address concerns and improve the transparency of the NLA-KGL partnership.

Legal and Constitutional Framework

The reference to Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution highlights the legal and constitutional framework that underpins the government’s approach to private sector engagement. This provision provides a foundation for promoting economic development through partnerships with private entities, while also emphasizing the need for accountability and public benefit.

The evaluation process led by the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice ensures that the NLA-KGL agreement is assessed within this legal framework, with attention to compliance, transparency, and alignment with national development objectives.

Practical Advice

For Stakeholders in the Lottery Sector

Stakeholders in Ghana’s lottery sector should engage constructively with the evaluation process, providing input and feedback to ensure that the NLA-KGL agreement is assessed comprehensively. This includes operators, industry associations, and consumer groups who can contribute valuable perspectives on the contract’s impact and areas for improvement.

Maintaining open communication with regulatory authorities and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability will be essential for building public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the partnership.

For Media Organizations

Media organizations should continue to play an active role in monitoring the evaluation process and reporting on its outcomes. Providing accurate, balanced, and in-depth coverage of the NLA-KGL agreement will help inform public discourse and promote accountability.

Collaborating with experts, civil society groups, and regulatory authorities can enhance the quality of reporting and ensure that media coverage contributes to informed public debate about the contract’s implications for Ghana’s lottery sector and broader economic development.

For Government Authorities

Government authorities should prioritize transparency and public engagement throughout the evaluation process. This includes providing regular updates on the progress of reviews, sharing findings with stakeholders, and incorporating feedback into decision-making.

Ensuring that the evaluation process is conducted in a fair, objective, and timely manner will be crucial for maintaining public confidence in the NLA-KGL partnership and demonstrating the government’s commitment to accountability and good governance.

FAQ

Conclusion

The decision to maintain the NLA-KGL licensing agreement, with scheduled evaluations and renegotiations, reflects a balanced approach to managing public-private partnerships in Ghana’s lottery sector. By preserving the contract while addressing public concerns through transparent review mechanisms, the government demonstrates its commitment to honoring contractual obligations, promoting economic development, and ensuring accountability.

The evaluation process offers an opportunity to assess the agreement’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that the partnership aligns with national development objectives. Continued engagement between the government, media, civil society, and industry stakeholders will be essential for building public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the NLA-KGL partnership.

As Ghana’s lottery sector continues to evolve, the principles of transparency, accountability, and public benefit must remain central to decision-making. The ongoing evaluation of the NLA-KGL agreement serves as a reminder of the importance of structured oversight and stakeholder engagement in managing public resources and fostering sustainable economic growth.